Testing methodology and test results
FSP Group is known in our region mainly for PC cases and power supplies under the Fortron brand. However, this manufacturer also offers coolers. And it is the Windale 4 that is a cost-effective middle-class cooler that we will look at today. Considering its specifications and price, it should compete in a very close battle with the SilentiumPC Fera 3 or Arctic Freezer 34 coolers, which we’ve also recently tested.
Testing methodology
The test methodology is still the same for comparability of results. The heat generator is the Intel Core i7-5820K processor in the ASRock X99 Taichi motherboard. The whole build is placed on a Streacom BC1 benchtable without fans that would provide airflow. Stress tests are performed using the Aida64 Extreme application with a duration of 45–60 minutes. The coolers are tested at three speed levels (800, 1200 and the maximum) at a processor frequency of 4200 MHz with a voltage of 1.150 V. This is followed by another set of tests at 4500 MHz with a voltage of 1.350 V. The processor’s power draw at these clock speeds is about 150 W or approx. 200 W. The second set of tests is already a really big burden for most coolers. Therefore, it cannot be expected that all tested coolers will be able to cool the processor at all speed levels.
Noise is measured using a calibrated Voltcraft SL-100 sound level meter in fast measurement mode (125 ms) with a sensitivity range of 30–100 dBA approx. 50 cm from the heatsink. Measurements take place at three fan speed levels, namely 800, 1200 and maximum. Speed control is provided by the Noctua NA-FC1 controller. The ambient noise level is below 33.0 dBA. At the end of the test, the highest temperature reached is always recorded. All data regarding temperatures and power draw of the processor are obtained from the HWiNFO64 application. The results are then corrected against ambient temperature as the final Delta T value. The test success limit is set at 80 °C. Any higher value means a processor temperature above 100 °C and a risk of thermal throttling. Therefore, if the cooler does not pass a load with a Delta T value below 80 °C, such a test is marked as failed.
Test results
It can already be seen here that the high amount of waste heat in combination with the low speed means that most coolers are not able to prevent the processor from overheating and subsequent throttling. This is not unexpected, it is simply the physical limit of the given cooler and does not mean that the cooler is of poor quality.
